Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is among the riskiest adventures you could ever undertake and demands serious consideration. A recent report reveals that around 1,000 individuals have been evacuated from the mountain due to altitude sickness, with several fatalities occurring as a result of severe altitude-related complications during Kilimanjaro expeditions. Tackling the ascent of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain is a formidable challenge that requires meticulous preparation. If you’re gearing up for the Kilimanjaro challenge, it’s vital to ensure you’re physically and mentally equipped for any scenario.
Weather conditions on the mountain can vary dramatically, from scorching heat to biting cold, sometimes within the same day of your climb. Therefore, it’s crucial to undergo months of rigorous training before taking on this feat. Choosing an operator with robust safety measures in place, such as Morinyi Adventures, is also essential for peace of mind in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Is climbing mount Kilimanjaro safe?
Ensuring your safety during your Kilimanjaro climb Adventure typically involves undergoing two to three months of training to prepare your body for the physical demands of the ascent. This training regimen is crucial for improving your fitness levels and strengthening your body for the challenges ahead. Additionally, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor before embarking on your Kilimanjaro adventure to assess your overall health and suitability for the trek. Given the diverse climatic conditions at varying altitudes, it’s essential to be aware that your body may struggle to adjust, making it imperative to take necessary precautions.
Many climbers fail to reach the summit due to the effects of high altitude, which can lead to acute mountain sickness (AMS), commonly known as altitude sickness. At Morinyi Adventures, we prioritize the safety of each climber by implementing the following precautions:
Safety Precautions by Morinyi Adventures:-
- We meticulously check each trekker’s pulse twice using a pulse oximeter to monitor both pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels.
- We utilize the Lake Louise Scoring System to assess if any trekkers are experiencing altitude sickness and determine its severity.
- Our seasoned guides possess extensive experience in detecting and treating altitude sickness. Their proficiency stems from handling numerous cases, enabling them to swiftly identify symptoms of acute mountain sickness (AMS).
- Equipped with the necessary tools, our guides are empowered to make medical and evacuation decisions tailored to each situation. Furthermore, they are certified Wilderness First Responders, ensuring vigilant monitoring of your health and safety throughout the journey.
- Bottled oxygen is readily available to address moderate to severe altitude sickness among trekkers.
- As certified Wilderness First Responders, our guides are capable of initiating helicopter evacuations via Kili MedAir when circumstances warrant such action.
- Our staff are equipped to provide immediate treatment for cuts, scrapes, and blisters, as they always carry a comprehensive first aid kit with them.
What is acclimatization?
Choosing longer routes for your Kilimanjaro climb can give your body more time to acclimatise and get used to the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes. This process is known as acclimatisation and generally takes around three days at a given altitude.
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness occurs when individuals ascend to high altitudes without proper acclimatization, typically manifesting at around 8,000 feet or higher, leading to a diminished oxygen supply.
With Mount Kilimanjaro towering at an elevation of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), altitude sickness is prevalent among climbers, necessitating assistance for many to reach the summit.
Altitude sickness is associated with various names, including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), Altitude Illness, Hypobaropathy, and Acosta Disease.
At sea level, the atmosphere contains approximately 21% oxygen. Despite altitude increases, this percentage remains constant; however, the number of oxygen molecules per breath decreases.
Upon reaching 12,000 feet or 3,600 meters, the oxygen molecules per breath decline to 40%, prompting the body to adapt to reduced oxygen levels. This adaptation process gives rise to altitude sickness, or AMS.
While some hikers may experience AMS symptoms at around 8,000 feet, severe symptoms can occur at 12,000 feet if proper acclimatization is not achieved. In mountain medicine, altitude sickness is classified into three recognized categories:
| High Altitude | 4,900 feet to 11,500 feet | 1,500 to 3,500 metres |
| Very High Altitude | 11,500 feet to 18,000 feet | 3,500 to 5,500 metres |
| Extreme Altitude | 18,000 feet and above | 5,500 feet and above |
In the “high altitude” category, reduced performance and altitude sickness are common occurrences. Meanwhile, in the “very high altitude” category, altitude sickness and compromised climbing performance are to be expected.
In the “extreme altitude” category, trekkers can only function briefly with acclimatization. This is particularly pertinent on Mount Kilimanjaro, with its summit reaching 19,340 feet and falling within the extreme altitude category.
Upon reaching 10,000 feet (3,000 meters), approximately 75% of climbers experience mild forms of altitude sickness, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, loss of energy, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, headache, and nausea.
Altitude sickness (AMS) is primarily attributed to four factors: high altitude, high degree of exertion, rapid ascent, and dehydration. However, the principal cause is often the combination of high altitude and rapid ascent, which challenge the body’s ability to adapt to reduced oxygen levels.
Adaptations to cope with decreased oxygen levels include increased production of red blood cells carrying oxygen, enhanced depth of respiration, heightened enzyme production aiding in oxygen release from hemoglobin to body tissues, and increased pulmonary capillaries facilitating blood flow to lung areas typically underutilized at sea level.
Symptoms of AMS may worsen during nighttime or when respiratory drive is diminished. Mild altitude sickness typically does not hinder activities and tends to resolve as the body acclimatizes.
Moderate altitude sickness manifests with severe headache, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, and reduced coordination (ataxia). It’s crucial to inform your guide or fellow trekkers if experiencing AMS symptoms, as proceeding to higher altitudes with moderate altitude sickness can be fatal.
Severe altitude sickness is characterized by shortness of breath even at rest, inability to walk, deteriorating mental status, and accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Two serious conditions associated with severe altitude sickness are High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE), which typically occur in individuals ascending too rapidly or lingering at very high altitudes.
These conditions, resulting from fluid leakage into the brain or lungs, can be fatal if not promptly addressed. Proper acclimatization significantly reduces the risk of developing HACE and HAPE, which occur less frequently in acclimatized individuals.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
HAPE occurs from fluid accumulation in the lungs. This fluid blocks effective oxygen exchange, which is why the condition grows more critical.
The oxygen level in the bloodstream declines, leading to cyanosis, diminished cerebral function, and, worst of all: death. HAPE symptoms comprise of the following:
- Shortness of breath even when at rest
- Chest tightness
- Fatigue and weakness
- Suffocating feeling at night
- Illogical and confused behaviour
Illogical and confused behaviour clearly shows that insufficient oxygen is reaching the brain. A quick descent of approximately 2,000 feet or 600 meters is necessary to save the life during this situation.
Those undergoing HAPE need to be evacuated to a medical facility immediately for proper follow-up treatment.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
On the other hand, high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is the outcome of brain tissue swelling from fluid leakage. Symptoms may include:
- Loss of coordination
- Decreased consciousness
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations & Psychotic behavior
- Coma
- Headache
- Weakness
- Disorientation
This state is quickly fatal unless the distressed person experiences quick descent. Follow-up treatment from a medical facility is needed if someone has suffered from HACE.
Daily health checks
Being one of Tanzania’s premier and distinguished tour operators, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our trekkers throughout their ascent and descent. Our guides conduct twice-daily check-ups to monitor your oxygen saturation and pulse rate, ensuring you remain in optimal condition.
With extensive experience in identifying Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), our guides swiftly address any early signs to guarantee the safety and comfort of our climbers. This proactive approach underscores our commitment to ensuring a secure and enjoyable trekking experience for all.
What is oxygen saturation?
Oxygen saturation represents the maximum capacity of oxygen your blood can carry. Normal oxygen levels are 95% to 100% at sea level.
Our guides use a pulse oximeter to measure your blood’s oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and oxygen level. Through this device, they can tell if your oxygen level is unsafe and take action immediately.
Insurance for Kilimanjaro
Due to the remote location, high altitude, and challenging conditions of the trek on Kilimanjaro, insurance is compulsory for all trekkers. This is to cover you from unexpected circumstances or costs that may occur before, during, or after your Kilimanjaro expedition.
Mountain rescue
In case of emergency, our staff – who go with you on the climb – will carry the following tools to help evacuate trekkers quickly down the mountain:
Bottled oxygen
Climbing high-altitude mountains like Kilimanjaro can raise the risk of encountering symptoms of severe altitude sickness cases. As a safety measure and anticipating such possibilities, we carry bottled oxygen during the climb. This provision is strictly reserved for emergencies and acts as an extra precaution to safeguard the health and well-being of our climbers.
It’ll NOT BE USED to assist climbers who aren’t substantially acclimatised on their own to escalate higher. When anyone needs quick treatment for moderate and severe AMS, we’ll descend immediately as it’s the fastest remedy for moderate and severe altitude sickness.
Helicopter evacuation on Kilimanjaro
High-altitude Trekking, like Kilimanjaro climbs, can pose risks such as severe altitude sickness. In dire situations, Kili MedAir provides helicopter evacuations, an operation typically covered by your insurance. Upon receiving a distress call, a rescue mission is swiftly launched, weather permitting.
We recommend climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for the most favourable conditions during the dry season. The skilled Kili MedAir rescue team comprises expert pilots, rescue doctors, and emergency flight technicians, all equipped to handle mountain emergencies effectively.
